In our weekly sessions of PLS (the Peace-building Leadership Seminar), you will talk with your fellow students about the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what’s happening today, and possible solutions. Broader issues will come up too: national identity, personal responsibility, privilege and power, and how we deal with injustice, violence, hope and despair — and not just in the Middle East.

PLS is a dialogue process, not a history course. It has no required readings and you are not expected to be experts on the Middle East! But having a basic understanding of the historic context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will allow you to participate more meaningfully in the group dialogue.

The PLS recommended viewing/reading list provides suggested videos and books, to give you a solid beginning for the dialogue. The list is neither complete nor neutral (that’s impossible in this context) but whatever you choose, view or read it with an open mind. Try to view at least a few items – do this important preparation for the PLS dialogue before you arrive! Once you’re here, it will be much harder to find the time.

Videos – see links to YouTube.

Books – You are encouraged to read a book from this list before you arrive! If you buy a book, bring it with you. After reading it, you can donate it to the PLS bookshelf here, so others can read it too. You may even be refunded for the cost of the book (bring proof of purchase, e.g. a receipt).